DineSpin

Best What's Hot in Denver

Find the best what's hot restaurants in Denver, CO. Scored on what actually matters.

By DineSpin Team·Updated February 2026·10 spots

Denver's dining scene has hit a inflection point: the city's moved past 'best restaurant in Colorado' and started attracting the kind of chefs and operators who could thrive anywhere. What's different here is the density of spots willing to take creative risks—Mexican fine dining, hot pot from Taiwan, Japanese countryside immersion—without the pretension tax you'd pay on the coasts. The neighborhood restaurant culture matters too; spots like Pita Central and Point Easy have built loyal followings not through marketing but through showing up every service with the same care. These ten represent what's actually worth your money and time right now.

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Best What's Hot in Denver

1.

Champagne Tiger

92/100

This works as two completely different restaurants depending on when you go: Drag Brunch is joyful, loud chaos with top-tier entertainment and a patio that might be Denver's best outdoor space; weeknight dinner is elevated diner food that's inconsistent and occasionally overseasoned. The staff warmth is genuine either way. If you're here for the drag show or a celebratory moment, the food quality matters less because the energy carries it. If you're a regular looking for consistent execution, the greasy elements and small portions for the price will disappoint.

Pro tip: Go for Drag Brunch, not regular dinner service; the environment justifies the premium and the kitchen is sharper.

🍽️Food90

The food is well-regarded for its creative twists on classic diner fare, with many dishes highlighted for their deliciousness and quality ingredients.

Food was pure perfection

👋Service95

Service is overwhelmingly described as excellent, friendly, attentive, and welcoming, with staff frequently noted for going above and beyond.

Staff is outstanding and so good

Vibe98

The atmosphere is a major draw, celebrated for its unique, stylish, and welcoming mid-century modern decor, often enhanced by vibrant entertainment.

Atmosphere is contagious

💰Value75

While generally well-received, a few diners felt certain dishes were overpriced for the portion size or quality.

Didn’t really find it to be worth the price

📍 601 E Colfax Ave, Denver, CO 80203, United States
4.7$$DenverAmerican
Ideal for
Drag brunch enthusiastsDiners seeking a vibrant atmosphereGroups celebrating special occasions
2.

Domo Japanese Country Food Restaurant

88/100

Walking in feels like stepping into rural Japan—the gardens, the museum pieces, the immersive countryside aesthetic—and the value is genuinely stunning ($16.75 entrees with generous portions). But Domo is chronically understaffed in ways that matter: 30-to-60-minute waits to be seated, servers who avoid eye contact, and a kitchen that's inconsistent meal-to-meal. Food quality swings from authentic to disappointing on the same visit. This works if you have time to burn and view the meal as part of the experience, not the whole point.

Pro tip: Go at off-peak times (weekday lunch, early dinner); the ambiance is identical but waits drop to 15 minutes and service feels less rushed.

🍽️Food85

The food is frequently described as authentic, delicious, and high-quality, with many diners celebrating unique country-style dishes and generous portions. Some diners note a lack of flavor or modifications for American tastes.

Food was absolutely delicious

👋Service65

Service is a mixed bag, with many celebrating the staff as kind, attentive, and friendly, while others report cold, rushed, or inattentive service, long waits to order, and poor communication.

Staff were very kind and attentive

Vibe98

The atmosphere is overwhelmingly regarded as excellent, immersive, and transporting, with many highlighting the beautiful Japanese garden and traditional decor.

Atmosphere is incredible

💰Value90

Diners consistently find the prices to be very reasonable, especially given the generous portion sizes and high quality of the food.

Fantastic DEAL for the amount

📍 1365 Osage St, Denver, CO 80204
4.4$$DenverJapanese
Ideal for
Experiencing authentic Japanese cultureImpressing out-of-town guestsA tranquil and beautiful dining setting
3.

Point Easy Denver

92/100

A Whittier neighborhood spot with creative seasonal plates, impeccable cocktails, and staff who build actual relationships with people who come back. Every dish reads intentional—beautiful plating, thoughtful preparation, the kind of care that takes time. The friction is portion size relative to price ($25–$35 entrees that leave some diners hungry) and noise levels that spike during peak service. This is a date-night restaurant and a special-occasion restaurant, not a casual weeknight place. When you're in the right headspace for it, the food and service justify the premium.

Pro tip: Hit the happy hour or go during Restaurant Week pricing; full-price dinners feel expensive for portion size, but discounted menus reframe the value.

🍽️Food95

The food is well-regarded for its creativity, deliciousness, and thoughtful preparation, with many dishes highlighted as excellent.

Every dish was outstanding

👋Service90

Service is frequently described as first-rate, friendly, attentive, and knowledgeable, though a few instances of inattentiveness or slow pacing were noted.

Staff are helpful and attentive

Vibe95

The atmosphere is consistently lauded as warm, cozy, romantic, and well-designed, creating an inviting and elegant neighborhood feel.

Romantic atmosphere

💰Value75

While the food and experience are highly regarded, some diners found portions small for the price, leading to a mixed value perception.

Comically small and overpriced

📍 2000 E 28th Ave, Denver, CO 80205
4.8$$$DenverAmerican
Ideal for
Date nights and romantic occasionsDiners seeking creative, high-quality cuisineThose who appreciate attentive and knowledgeable service
4.

City O' City

92/100

City O' City is a highly-regarded Denver staple known for its excellent vegan and vegetarian cuisine, vibrant atmosphere, and friendly service. It's a popular spot for both dedicated plant-based eaters and omnivores seeking creative and delicious comfort food.

Pro tip: A vegan's dream. The food is amazing, service is quick and friendly, and atmosphere is chill.

🍽️Food95

The food is well-regarded as outstanding, creative, and delicious, with many dishes highlighted as standouts, particularly the vegan chicken and waffles, seitan dishes, and fried ravioli.

The food is amazing

👋Service90

Service is frequently described as quick, friendly, helpful, and knowledgeable, contributing positively to the overall dining experience.

Service is quick and friendly

Vibe95

The atmosphere is consistently lauded as cool, vibrant, welcoming, and unique, with mentions of local art and a comfortable, inclusive feel.

Atmosphere is chill

💰Value75

While most find the food worth the price, a few diners mention prices being on the higher side or feeling like a 'scam' due to small portions or high delivery fees.

Prices are a little high

📍 206 E 13th Ave, Denver, CO 80203, United States
4.5$$DenverAmerican
Ideal for
Vegans and vegetarians seeking creative dishesDiners looking for a lively and inclusive atmosphereGroups with mixed dietary preferences
5.

Sushi by Scratch Restaurants: Denver

92/100

Sushi by Scratch offers an excellent, intimate omakase experience in a speakeasy-style setting, frequently lauded as the best sushi in Denver. While pricey, the creative dishes, fresh ingredients, and engaging service create a memorable event that diners highly recommend.

Pro tip: No doubt, one for the best sushi and omakase experience I’ve ever had!

🍽️Food98

The food is consistently described as outstanding, with diners frequently calling it the best sushi or omakase experience they've ever had. Ingredients are noted as fresh and unique, with creative preparations.

Best sushi and omakase experience

👋Service88

Service is overwhelmingly known for being knowledgeable, attentive, and friendly, contributing significantly to the overall experience. However, one diner reported a rude and judgmental host.

Staff and chefs were amazing

Vibe95

The speakeasy, intimate, and exclusive atmosphere is a significant draw, contributing to a memorable and unique dining experience.

Speakeasy vibe makes the experience

💰Value75

While the experience is well-regarded, several diners note that it is expensive, with some questioning the value of add-ons like caviar or sake pairings, though most agree it is worth the cost for the experience.

Very expensive, but you should think

📍 1441 Larimer St, Denver, CO 80202, United States
4.8$$$$DenverJapanese
Ideal for
Special occasions and celebrationsSushi connoisseurs seeking unique experiencesDiners who appreciate intimate, speakeasy-style ambiance
6.

Dos Santos

92/100

Dos Santos is a highly-regarded Denver establishment celebrated for its excellent and creative tacos, vibrant atmosphere, and outstanding service. It's a popular spot for both casual dining and happy hour, consistently delivering a positive experience.

Pro tip: Phenomenal dining experience with amazing food, top-notch service, and immaculate vibes.

🍽️Food95

The food is well-regarded for its creative and flavorful tacos, with many dishes highlighted as outstanding. Ingredients are noted as fresh and house-made.

Food was amazing

👋Service96

Service is frequently described as top-notch, friendly, attentive, and knowledgeable, with several staff members repeatedly well-regarded.

Service was top-notch

Vibe95

The atmosphere is consistently described as fun, cool, immaculate, and having great vibes, often with a modern or western design.

Vibes were immaculate

💰Value75

While many find the happy hour deals and overall experience to be worth the price, some diners note that tacos can be a bit pricey for their size.

Prices are a bit higher

📍 1475 E 17th Ave, Denver, CO 80218, United States
4.5$$DenverMexican
Ideal for
Taco enthusiasts seeking creative flavorsGroups looking for a lively atmosphereHappy hour patrons
7.

Stowaway Kitchen

92/100

Stowaway Kitchen is a highly-regarded Denver eatery celebrated for its remarkably creative, fresh, and flavorful fusion cuisine, vibrant atmosphere, and generally excellent service. While wait times can be long, particularly on weekends, the unique culinary experience and inviting ambiance make it a popular destination.

Pro tip: Food was amazing, the flavors were so good and creative, bread choice was quality and the chicken was quality and delicious.

🍽️Food97

The food is well-regarded for its creativity, freshness, and outstanding flavor profiles, with many dishes described as artful and memorable. The menu offers a unique fusion of American and Asian influences.

Food was amazing, the flavors were so good

👋Service85

Service is generally described as friendly, kind, attentive, and genuine, with staff often going above and beyond. However, a few instances of unfriendliness or condescension have been noted.

Amazing service and staff

Vibe95

The atmosphere is consistently lauded as hip, cute, vibrant, and aesthetically pleasing, with a 'Denver funky' or 'Australian hipster' vibe that is both inclusive and upscale.

The best vibe

💰Value75

While the food quality is highly regarded, some diners note that prices are on the higher side, though generally considered justified by the quality and uniqueness of the dishes.

Price is up there but rightfully so

📍 2528 Walnut St #104, Denver, CO 80205, United States
4.6$$DenverMixed/Fusion
Ideal for
Creative brunch and lunchDiners seeking unique flavorsCasual, hip dining experiences
8.

Tasty Pot

92/100

Hot pot done right: bold broths (the Tom Yum hits like you've been wanting it to for years), fresh ingredients, portions large enough that two people leave with leftovers. The staff—Long, Cam, and the others—actually guide you through the menu instead of just dropping it and disappearing. The space is modern and beautiful in ways that make the meal feel more intentional than just cooking dinner at a table. One minor complaint about mushy rice shouldn't scare you; everything else reads as genuinely well-executed.

Pro tip: Ask Long or Cam what broth to order if you've never done hot pot; they'll steer you right and remember next time.

🍽️Food95

The food is well-regarded for its bold, fresh, and flavorful broths and ingredients, with many dishes receiving high marks. The hot pots and sizzling plates are particularly popular.

The food was super fresh and full of flavor.

👋Service93

Service is overwhelmingly described as friendly, helpful, attentive, and efficient, with staff often going above and beyond to guide diners and ensure a positive experience.

The staff are super nice

Vibe95

The atmosphere is frequently highlighted as beautiful, aesthetic, lively, and welcoming, with pleasant music contributing to a positive dining experience.

Immaculate vibes.

💰Value90

Diners frequently note generous portion sizes and fair prices, indicating good value for the quality and quantity of food received.

Generous portions, diverse offerings

📍 2890 Zuni St, Denver, CO 80211
4.8$$DenverAsian
Ideal for
Date nights and dinners with friendsThose seeking flavorful and fresh Asian cuisineDiners looking for generous portions
9.

The Corner Beet

88/100

The Corner Beet is a highly-regarded vegetarian and vegan cafe in Denver known for its remarkably flavorful food and cozy, inviting atmosphere. While most diners celebrate the quality and ambiance, some recent reception points to concerns about portion sizes and value for money.

Pro tip: The food is incredible and clearly made with care, but some find it pricey.

🍽️Food92

The Corner Beet is well-regarded for its flavorful, fresh, and well-prepared vegetarian and vegan dishes, with many diners highlighting unique flavor combinations and high-quality ingredients.

Food is incredible and clearly made with care

👋Service75

Service is generally described as friendly and welcoming, though some diners note a lack of attentiveness or a perceived rudeness, particularly when issues are raised.

Always friendly service

Vibe95

The atmosphere is consistently lauded as cozy, warm, and inviting, with a strong emphasis on decor, plants, and a welcoming ambiance.

Coziest vibes

💰Value65

While many find the food quality justifies the price, several diners consider the portions small for the cost, leading to perceptions of being overpriced.

Seems like a rip off

📍 1401 N Ogden St, Denver, CO 80218
4.5$$DenverVegetarian
Ideal for
Vegetarian and vegan dinersThose seeking a cozy cafe atmosphereIndividuals looking for unique flavor combinations
10.

El Five

88/100

El Five offers a highly regarded Mediterranean-inspired dining experience in Denver, celebrated for its excellent food, stunning city views, and attentive service. While most patrons have a fantastic time, some note small portions for the price and occasional wait time issues.

Pro tip: Outstanding food, amazing views, and attentive service make this a top Denver dining experience.

🍽️Food88

The food is generally known for its creativity and flavor, with many dishes like paella, sea bass, and various tapas receiving specific commendations. Some diners found certain dishes to be less flavorful or overly salty.

El Five was first-rate !

👋Service85

Service is frequently described as attentive, friendly, and knowledgeable, with staff often going above and beyond to enhance the dining experience. However, a few instances of slow or inattentive service were noted.

Abigail was our server and she was simply the greatest

Vibe95

The restaurant's atmosphere, ambiance, and stunning city views are consistently highlighted as major draws, creating a sophisticated and enjoyable setting.

Great ambiance here!

💰Value70

While the food and experience are often considered high quality, some diners found the portions to be small for the price, leading to questions about overall value.

Price for the size is insane

📍 2930 Umatilla St Unit #500, Denver, CO 80211, United States
4.5$$$DenverMediterranean
Ideal for
Special occasions and celebrationsDate nights with a viewDiners seeking creative Mediterranean tapas

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